Big turnout for Darwin rural area meeting calling for action on dog attacks
ABOUT 100 Top End residents concerned about dangerous dogs in their communities have attended an often emotional meeting to discuss what should be done to strengthen dog laws in the Territory
Pets and Wildlife
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- Confusion reigns over dog attack laws, as police say they have virtually no jurisdiction despite legislation
- Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield councils in support of uniform by-laws to prevent dog attacks
- Rural area residents call for dangerous dogs to be more regulated, as community anger grows over recent dog attacks
ABOUT 100 Top End residents concerned about dangerous dogs in their communities have attended an often emotional meeting to discuss what should be done to strengthen dog laws in the Territory.
Packing into Member for Nelson Gerard Maley’s electorate office late on Tuesday afternoon, Darwin, Palmerston and rural area residents shared their stories of vicious dog attacks and how they felt they were being let down by the authorities.
One hot-button topic was a perceived lack of action by Top End local governments, with people talking about cases of rangers failing to properly investigate reported attacks, impound or euthanise dangerous dogs or even show up at all when called.
“You ring the rangers, they won’t come out,” said one woman.
“Why aren’t these dogs seized?” another woman asked.
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Others said police should be more involved in enforcement, given dog attacks are classed as offences under current legislation.
Some asked if they could shoot dogs that came onto their properties and attacked them or their pets.
The group also discussed support for a proposed “omnibus” NT law for dangerous dogs – with a petition made available for people to sign; the formation of a support group for people impacted by dog attacks; and the creation of a volunteer base made up of people with specialised skills.
The meeting was the first to be held by members of NT Dogs Bylaws, a newly formed Facebook group made up concerned NT residents who are calling for stronger laws to prevent people and animals from being attacked by dogs.
NT Dogs Bylaws spokeswoman Yvette Goldberg said the group just wanted ordinary people and their pets to be better protected from vicious dogs.
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“We just want dog owners to take responsibility and be liable for their animals. That’s all we’re asking,” she said.
“And we’re asking for the rules to be documented properly, so we can all have a reference to the outcomes.”
The group is planning to hold a second meeting in coming weeks.
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